The National Association of Broadcasters will work with its television station members to support a new initiative of the FCC aimed at preparing Americans for the upcoming transition to digital television.

Last week, the FCC announced that it would send its five commissioners and other staff members to 80 cities around the country to educate communities about the transition. In each city, an FCC commissioner will participate in a public event, such as a town hall meeting or roundtable. The FCC selected television markets that have at least 15 percent of over-the-air households.

NAB will help coordinate activities through stations and state broadcast associations nationwide to support the initiative, including analog shut-off tests in as many markets as possible that are part of the FCC tour. These tests have proven to be one of the most effective ways for stations to help viewers determine whether they are ready to receive digital television signals.